CORIANDER CHICKEN TOSTADAS WITH REFRIED BEANS AND GRILLED FENNEL

Coriander Chicken Tostadas with Refried Beans and Grilled Fennel image

Provided by Sarah Dickerman

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

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Beans:
2 15-ounce cans pinto beans (preferably organic), liquid drained and reserved
1/2 cup chopped white onion
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse kosher salt
Fennel and chicken:
1 large fresh fennel bulb, trimmed, cut through core into 1/3-inch-thick slices (some slices will separate)
6 tablespoons safflower oil, divided
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1/3 cup coriander seeds (about 1 ounce), coarsely crushed in plastic bag
Assembly:
6 purchased corn tostada shells
3 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
6 radishes, trimmed, thinly sliced
6 fresh cilantro sprigs
Lime wedges
Ingredient info: Chipotle chiles are often sold in a spicy tomato sauce called adobo. They're available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.

Steps:

For beans
Place beans and next 5 ingredients in processor; blend to chunky puree.
Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add bean mixture and 1/2 cup reserved bean liquid. Stir over medium- low heat until warmed through, adding more bean liquid if dry, about 5 minutes. Season with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm before using.
For fennel and chicken:
Brush fennel slices with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fennel slices. Sear until lightly browned and crisp-tender, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate. Cut into strips. Reserve skillet.
Using rolling pin, flatten chicken between sheets of plastic wrap to 1/4- to 1/3-inch-thick cutlets. Spread out coriander seeds on sheet of foil. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper; coat with coriander seeds.
Heat 4 1/2 tablespoons oil in reserved skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, if necessary, add chicken to skillet. Sauté until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to work surface. Cool 5 minutes. Cut chicken in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/3-inch-wide strips.
Assembly:
Top each tostada shell with beans, lettuce, radishes, fennel, chicken and cilantro sprig. Serve with lime wedges.